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Proverbs / Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess
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Introduction: The Purpose of Proverbs and the Fear of the Lord Warning Against Enticement by Sinners Wisdom's Public Call and the Folly of Rejection The Value of Wisdom and Its Protection Trusting God and Walking in Wisdom A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom Warning Against Adultery and a Call to Fidelity Warnings: Surety, Laziness, and Wickedness Obey Parental Commands and the Dangers of Adultery The Example of a Young Man Seduced Wisdom's Proclamation and Blessings Contrasting Invitations of Wisdom and Folly Solomon's Proverbs: Contrasts of Righteousness and Folly Proverbs on Justice, Integrity, and Righteous Living Wise Conduct, Diligence, and Righteous Speech Discipline, Wealth, and the Wise Child Sayings on Wisdom, Folly, and the Fear of the Lord The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans Relations and Righteousness: Peace, Speech, and Integrity The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship Advice on Wealth, Conduct, and Discipline Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess Divine Sovereignty, Justice, and the King's Role Reputation, Generosity, and Child Discipline Sayings of the Wise: Practical Moral Instruction Solomon's Proverbs on Restraint and Leadership Folly and Foolish Behavior in Speech and Deeds Friendship, Counsel, and Practical Wisdom for Life Justice, Righteousness, and the Results of Rebellion Discipline, Leadership, and Social Order The Sayings of Agur: Humility and Observations Advice to King Lemuel and the Virtuous Woman

Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess

Proverbs 20:1-30

20
Chapter 20
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever errs in it is not wise. 2 The roaring like a lion is the terror of a king; one trespassing sins against his life force. 3 Glory to a man who ceases from strife, but every fool meddles rashly. 4 The sluggard does not plow in taunt, and he asks at harvest and there is none. 5 Counsel in the heart of a man is deep waters, and a man of wisdom draws it out. 6 A chief officer of humanity calls man his steadfast love and man faithfulnesses—who will find? 7 The righteous one who walks in his integrity is blessed with his sons after him. 8 A king who sits on a throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes. 9 Who will say, "I have been pure/cleansed; I have ritually purified my heart from my sin"? 10 Stone and stone, ephah and ephah—both of them are an abomination to the LORD. 11 Even by his deeds a boy will be recognized—if his action is pure and upright. 12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees—the LORD has made both of them. 13 Do not love sleep, lest you become poor. Open your eyes—you who are sated with bread. 14 The buyer says, "Bad, bad," and when he goes off to him, then he praises himself. 15 There is gold and many pearls, and precious vessel lips of knowledge. 16 Take his garment, for he has given his pledge to a stranger, and seize it for a foreign woman. 17 Bread of deception is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18 Thoughts in counsel are established, and with consultation make warfare. 19 One who reveals a secret is a gossip-walker, and with one who opens his lips do not associate. 20 "Blasphemer of his father and his mother—his lamp will go out in the blackness of darkness." 21 An inheritance hastening at its head—its latter end will not bless. 22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you. 23 The abomination of the LORD: stone and stone, balances of deceit—not good. 24 From the LORD are the steps of a man, and he—what will he discern about his way? 25 The snare of Adam to devour the holy, and after vows to inspect. 26 A wise king scatters the wicked and rolls a wheel over them. 27 The lamp of the LORD, the breath of life of Adam, searches all the inner chambers of the belly. 28 Steadfast love and truth—they form a king, and by steadfast love his throne is supported. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of elders is their gray hair. 30 Stripes of a wound purge evil, and blows of belly-chambers.